Having wet feet is never fun. Nobody enjoys the feeling of cold, wet socks squelching around in their boots, especially with miles still to go on the trail before you can take them off. Waterproof socks are the fix: a membrane sandwiched between an outer and a merino-style liner, so your feet stay dry even when the boot doesn’t.
I’ve researched eight pairs across budget, mid-range, and premium, from SealSkinz, DexShell, Highlander, and Bridgedale, checking prices, materials, and independent reviews. Here’s how they compare, starting with the quick picks.
Quick Picks
- SealSkinz Raynham – Best Overall Waterproof Socks
- SealSkinz Norwich – Best Thermal Waterproof Socks for Hiking
- SealSkinz Dunton – Best Ankle-Length Waterproof Socks
- Highlander Aqua-tac – Best for Wet Walks
- DexShell Thermlite 2.0 – Best Merino-Lined Alternative
- SealSkinz Wretham – Best Lightweight Waterproof Socks for Warm Weather
- DexShell Ultra Thin Crew – Best Budget Waterproof Socks
- Bridgedale StormSock Heavyweight Knee – Best Knee-Length Waterproof Socks
SealSkinz Raynham
Best Overall Waterproof Socks
Pros
Cons
The Raynham is SealSkinz’s all-weather mid-length sock, and it’s the one I’d start with because it suits most UK walking without being a specialist. It’s three bonded layers: a stretchy outer, SealSkinz’s Aquasealz membrane in the middle, and a merino-blend lining against the skin. The membrane stops water from getting through from the boot side, plus the sock is windproof and breathable too, which matters because a membrane that can’t pass sweat only swaps rain for damp. Mid-length coverage sits above the boot collar, so splashes and wet grass are less likely to reach the cuff.
The trade-off is that the cuff stitching can fail if you pull the sock on hard, and it can feel bulky in tight shoes, so size up if you’re between sizes. At £42, it isn’t cheap, though I found a slightly older version on sale for £18 . It suits three-season walking where wet feet are the main worry, and it’s the best pair overall if you’ve never tried waterproof socks.
Price: £42 RRP
Height: mid-length
Sizes: S to XL (UK 3 to 14)
Membrane: Aquasealz
Also available: ankle-length Bircham (£37)
Outer: 62% Polycolon, 29% nylon, 9% elastane / Aquasealz waterproof membrane / Inner: 36% merino wool, 36% acrylic, 18% polyester, 5% nylon, 5% elastane / 4-way stretch / Made in Norfolk
Where to Buy
SealSkinz Raynham
My Verdict: “The sensible all-rounder for wet UK walks, with a merino-blend lining and good coverage above the boot.”
SealSkinz Norwich
Best Thermal Waterproof Socks for Hiking
Pros
Cons
The Norwich is the cold-weather hiking sock in the SealSkinz range, with a 100% nylon outer, the Aquasealz membrane in the middle, and a lining that’s half merino, half acrylic. SealSkinz calls it midweight and insulative, and says the seams are hand-linked to help prevent blisters. That makes it the thermal waterproof sock for winter walks, when cold, wet boots are what ruin a day. A membrane sock also adds a barrier against wind, so it should hold heat better than a standard wool sock once your boots are soaked.
Thermal waterproof socks run warm, and that’s the downside. Similar SealSkinz cold-weather walking socks are warm and durable but thick and stiff, and can feel tight on larger calves. At £50 it is a big spend for one pair. It suits winter hillwalking, cold-weather camping, and anyone whose feet are always cold, but leave it at home from May to September.
Price: £50
Height: mid-length
Sizes: S to XL (UK 3 to 14)
Membrane: Aquasealz
Warmth: cold weather, midweight
Outer: 100% nylon / Aquasealz membrane / Inner: 50% merino wool, 50% acrylic / Hand-linked seams / Antimicrobial, temperature-regulating lining (brand claim)
Where to Buy
SealSkinz Norwich
My Verdict: “The warmest SealSkinz pair here, best for winter walking where cold, wet feet are the problem.”
SealSkinz Dunton
Best Ankle-Length Waterproof Socks
Pros
Cons
The Dunton keeps feet dry in steady rain, dries quickly, and has a secure cuff. The standout feature is Hydrostop, an elastic taped cuff designed to stop water running down your leg and into the sock. It’s three bonded layers: a stretchy nylon outer, SealSkinz’s Aquasealz membrane, and a merino-blend inner, with a seamless design aimed at reducing friction. Ankle height keeps it slim enough for trail shoes and low boots.
The flip side is that an ankle sock can’t stop water coming in over the top. It’s also less cushioned than thicker rivals, so it suits shorter wet walks more than long, rough days, and it’s a good fit if you want a running waterproof sock for dull, drizzly days. At £39, it sits between the Raynham and the Norwich, and SealSkinz backs its waterproof socks with a lifetime waterproof guarantee.
Price: £39
Height: ankle
Membrane: Aquasealz
Cuff: Hydrostop elastic taping
Outer: 90% nylon, 10% elastane / Aquasealz waterproof membrane / Inner: 36% merino wool, 36% acrylic, 18% polyester, 5% elastane, 4% nylon, 1% TPU / Seamless construction / Hydrostop elastic cuff taping
Where to Buy
SealSkinz Dunton
My Verdict: “A slim, quick-drying waterproof sock for trail shoes and low boots, as long as the water stays below the ankle.”
Highlander Aqua-tac
Best for Wet Walks
Pros
Cons
In my research, the Aqua-tac was the best-reviewed pair here, scoring 5 out of 5 in independent testing. The outer is a nylon and elastane mix, with a waterproof, breathable hydrophilic membrane in the middle and a lining of merino, acrylic and nylon. Testers wore them on coastal trails, heathland and riverbanks and praised the waterproofing, breathability and temperature regulation. Waterproof socks only help if your feet can still breathe, and breathability is where the cheaper pairs tend to slip.
The one caution is care: you need to look after the membrane, so check the washing label and avoid fabric conditioners and direct heat. Colour choice is also limited to black. The Aqua-tac makes sense for walkers who want a well-reviewed pair at a mid price from a brand other than SealSkinz.
Price: £39.99
Weight: 168g (size M)
Sizes: UK 5 to 13, unisex
Membrane: waterproof, breathable hydrophilic membrane
Colour: black
Outer: 91% nylon, 9% elastane / Hydrophilic waterproof breathable membrane / Inner: 41% merino wool, 44% acrylic, 14% nylon, 1% elastane
Where to Buy
Highlander Aqua-tac
My Verdict: “A well-reviewed mid-priced pair for walkers who want waterproofing without losing breathability.”
DexShell Thermlite 2.0
Best Merino-Lined Alternative
Pros
Cons
DexShell waterproof socks are the main rival to SealSkinz in the UK, and the Thermlite 2.0 is their lightly insulated, merino-lined pair. It has a Porelle PFOA-free polyurethane membrane between a 97% polyamide outer and an inner of 38% merino, 38% acrylic and 24% polyamide. It’s slim enough for most shoes, with a merino liner that adds some warmth. That makes it a sensible thermal waterproof sock for cooler months when you don’t need a full winter pair.
Wool wicks more slowly, so the sock can stay damp longer than a thinner pair. I also found reports that the cuff seam isn’t fully waterproof and that cold can pass through the membrane, so it isn’t a deep-winter pick. It suits cool, wet walks and cycling commutes where you want something slimmer than a hiking sock.
Price: £38 (found on sale)
Height: crew
Sizes: S to XL (UK 3 to 14)
Membrane: Porelle
Outer: 97% polyamide, 3% elastane / Porelle PFOA-free polyurethane membrane / Inner: 38% merino wool, 38% acrylic, 24% polyamide / Three-layer waterproof construction
Where to Buy
DexShell Thermlite 2.0
My Verdict: “A slim, lightly insulated DexShell for cool, wet days when a bulky hiking sock would be too much.”
SealSkinz Wretham
Best Lightweight Waterproof Socks for Warm Weather
Pros
Cons
The Wretham is SealSkinz’s warm-weather ankle sock, and the brand calls it its lightest, thinnest waterproof sock. It uses the same Aquasealz membrane as the Dunton, but swaps the merino-blend lining for 75% bamboo rayon under a 94% nylon outer, and SealSkinz pitches it for wet days when you’re sweating rather than cold ones. It’s not too thick and can be used year-round, and it’s as breathable as you can expect given the weatherproofing. Size up if you’re at the top of a size range, because it’s still thicker than a normal sock.
SealSkinz lists elastic ankle support but no Hydrostop, the elastic taping the Dunton uses to stop water running down your leg, so I’d expect it to suit splashes and wet grass better than wading.
Price: £33
Height: ankle
Sizes: S to XL (UK 3 to 14)
Membrane: Aquasealz
Outer: 94% nylon, 6% elastane / Aquasealz waterproof membrane / Inner: 75% bamboo rayon, 23% nylon, 2% elastane / 4-way stretch / Seamless construction / Elastic ankle support
Where to Buy
SealSkinz Wretham
My Verdict: “A thin, bamboo-lined waterproof sock for warm, wet days, as long as the water stays below the ankle.”
DexShell Ultra Thin Crew
Best Budget Waterproof Socks
Pros
Cons
At £26.75, the Ultra Thin Crew is the cheapest pair here from an established waterproof sock brand. DexShell uses a Porelle membrane, and it stays waterproof when repeatedly splashed and soaked, feels close to a normal sock and breathes well. It has a bamboo liner and a very thin, stretchy fit that wicks quickly in warm conditions. It’s an easy way to try a waterproof sock without committing a full SealSkinz budget.
Thin means less warmth. They’re a go-to for most wet-weather riding but not for freezing conditions, and I wouldn’t rely on them as a winter hiking sock. They also suit cycling and running waterproof sock use, where bulk is the enemy. Prices vary, so shop around.
Price: £26.75
Height: crew
Sizes: S to XL
Membrane: Porelle
Porelle waterproof membrane / Bamboo liner / Biodegradable modal and bamboo yarns / Thin, stretchy construction
Where to Buy
DexShell Ultra Thin Crew
My Verdict: “The cheapest way into waterproof socks, best for mild wet days, cycling and running rather than winter hiking.”
Bridgedale StormSock Heavyweight Knee
Best Knee-Length Waterproof Socks
Pros
Cons
Bridgedale’s StormSock is the one to look at if your problem is water coming over the top. The socks work as proper waterproofs, with minimal seams placed away from rub points, a merino-rich lining and a stretchy Hydrotech membrane under a nylon outer. They’re good for boggy ground and river crossings, and worth carrying for wet sections and wearing in camp. The StormSock range is also comfortable and cushioned and dries fast, though it’s not very breathable.
Price: £48.50 RRP (found on sale at £28.89)
Weight: not confirmed
Height: knee
Sizes: S to XL (UK 3 to 12+)
Membrane: Hydrotech
Nylon outer / Hydrotech membrane / Merino-rich inner (63% merino) / Lycra for fit / Anti-bacterial and anti-odour lining
Where to Buy
Bridgedale StormSock Heavyweight Knee
My Verdict: “The knee-high choice for bog, burns and camp, if you accept some stiffness and a warm build.”
How I Tested
This summer I canoed coast to coast across Scotland on the Great Glen Canoe Trail, and I didn’t think to pack a pair of waterproof socks, but a few of the group did, and I gotta say, I was pretty jealous. We were constantly in and out of the water, and waterproof socks would have been great to keep my feet dry throughout the day, inside my neoprene boots. So when I returned home, I started researching the best waterproof socks.
I considered well over a dozen waterproof socks from SealSkinz, DexShell, Bridgedale, Highlander and others, and narrowed them to eight that are on sale in the UK now, have independent reviews and cover budget, mid-range and premium prices. I haven’t tested these eight myself: each one is researched using brand pages, retailer listings and independent reviews. Where a weight or spec couldn’t be confirmed, I’ve said so. Prices move often, especially in sales. I didn’t include Mountain Warehouse’s own range because I couldn’t find a current listing to check.
What to Look For in Waterproof Socks
How waterproof socks work
Most waterproof socks use three bonded layers: a stretchy outer, a waterproof breathable membrane in the middle, and a soft liner against the skin. SealSkinz’s Aquasealz and DexShell’s Porelle are both membranes of this type. The membrane blocks liquid water from outside while letting some sweat vapour through. They do not replace waterproof boots: water can still run over the top of the cuff, and no sock is fully leakproof.
Height
Ankle socks keep bulk down and suit trail shoes. Mid-length socks cover the boot collar. Knee-length pairs like the Bridgedale give the best protection against bog and burns. Match the height to where water will actually reach you.
Warmth and breathability
Merino-blend liners add warmth but dry more slowly. Thin pairs like the DexShell Ultra Thin breathe better but give less insulation. The SealSkinz Wretham swaps the merino for a lighter bamboo lining, which suits warm, wet days. Waterproof socks run warm and can feel clammy in summer, so a breathable waterproof sock matters more than extra thickness for most walkers.
Fit and sizing
Check them in your own boots. Size up if you’re between sizes. Most pairs here use unisex sizing, so check the size chart whether you’re after waterproof socks for men or women. DexShell also sells women’s-specific bamboo versions.
Care
SealSkinz says to wash below 40°C, turn the socks inside out, drip dry, and avoid drying on a radiator or other direct heat, which can damage the membrane. A low-heat tumble dry is allowed if needed. Always check the label on your pair.
Price and where to buy
UK prices run from about £27 to £50 a pair at full price. SealSkinz, DexShell and Bridgedale are stocked at retailers such as Decathlon, Cotswold Outdoor and GO Outdoors, and the same sock can vary by £10 or more between shops, so compare.
FAQs
Do waterproof socks work?
Mostly, within limits. The best pairs keep feet dry in steady rain, but no sock is fully leakproof, and water can pour over the cuff if you wade deep.
What are the best waterproof socks in the UK?
For most people, the SealSkinz Raynham is my pick for the best waterproof socks UK walkers can buy, with the Norwich for winter and the DexShell Ultra Thin for budget.
Are waterproof socks good for hiking and walking?
Yes, as a back-up to boots that leak or in boggy conditions. Hiking waterproof socks like the Highlander Aqua-tac and Bridgedale StormSock are built for it, and the Aqua-tac scored 5 out of 5 in independent testing. If you’re after waterproof socks for walking in mild weather, a thinner pair is enough.
Are there breathable waterproof socks?
Yes, the membrane lets sweat vapour out, but breathability varies. The SealSkinz Dunton is more breathable than the Bridgedale StormSock. SealSkinz says the thinner Wretham is built for warm, wet conditions when you’re sweating.
Can I use waterproof socks for running or cycling?
Yes. Thin pairs suit running waterproof socks use and waterproof socks for cycling, and the DexShell Ultra Thin is a go-to for wet-weather riding.
Are there thermal waterproof socks?
Yes. The SealSkinz Norwich is a thermal waterproof sock for hiking, and the DexShell Thermlite 2.0 is lightly insulated.
Are there waterproof socks for summer?
Yes. SealSkinz sells the Wretham as its lightest, thinnest waterproof sock for warm, wet conditions, and the DexShell Ultra Thin is another thin option. Both work best when the water stays below the ankle.
Do SealSkinz waterproof socks last?
SealSkinz covers its waterproof socks with a lifetime waterproof guarantee, and if they leak, it replaces them with the same or a similar pair. It defines lifetime as a reasonable lifetime of the product, and it doesn’t count wading or swimming in them as a valid waterproofing failure, so read the terms before relying on it.
My Verdict
If you only buy one pair, I’d go for the SealSkinz Raynham: it covers most UK walking, has the common three-layer build and costs less when it’s on sale. If your walks are colder, a thermal pair is worth the extra, and for boggy ground a knee-length sock keeps water out where ankle and mid-length pairs can’t.
On a tighter budget, a thinner pair is the cheapest way in, though it isn’t built for freezing days on the trail. Remember that waterproof socks are a back-up to good boots, not a replacement, and check the fit in your own footwear before a long walk.
Related Guides & Reviews
The resources below cover the basics, common questions, and related kit to help you get more out of your time outdoors.
- Best Waterproof Jackets for Hiking in the UK
- Best Waterproof Hiking Boots UK
- Berghaus Maitland GORE-TEX Overtrousers Review
All images courtesy of their respective brands • All Rights Reserved
Steve Cleverdon
Adventure-driven outdoor gear reviewer and paddleboarder, Steve has spent 20 years exploring rivers, coastlines, and trails across Britain and abroad, sharing what he’s learned along the way. Learn more about Steve or get in touch.
